Gun tube, breech ring, and coupling means therefor



July 20, 1948. w. SUNIMER'BELI. 2,445,339

GUN TUBES, BREECH RINGS AND COUPLING MEANS THEREFOR Fned sept. 11, 194s 4 sheets-sheet 1 July 29, 1948. w SUMMERBELL 2,445,339

GUN TUBES, BREECH RINGS AND COUPLING MEANS THEREFOR Filed Sept. 11, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 :lllllllllll 3 rwemlo/o Willi am 5 1.1mm erbell /MTMJMM July 20, 1948. w. SUMMERBELL 2,445,339

GUN TUBES, BREECH RINGS AND COUPLING MEANS THEREFOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed sept. 11. 194e fr w i wvo/wrom Willi am 5 umm@ yuly 20, 1948- w. SUMMERBELL 2,445,339

GUN TUBES, BREECH RINGS AND COUPLING MEANS THEREFOR Filed sept. 11, 1946 4 sheets-sheet 4 rwa/Mofo 29 Wflham El ummehall Jy. $211114 a/.MMM am r may Patented July 20,1948

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE" GUN TUBE, BREECH RING, AND COUPLING MEAN S THEREFOR i William Summerbell, Vlashington, D. C.

Application September 11, 1946, Serial N0. 696,329

10 Claims. (Cl. 89--14) (Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as

The invention `described in the specication and claims may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes Without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

'Ihis invention relates to a new and useful improvement in gun tubes, breech rings and coupling means therefor, and is intended more particularly to provide a gun having a breech mechanism for vertical and sideopening, alternatively, and having a threadless joint between the tube and breech ring. The particularly novel and useful features of my improved device are the peculiar breech ring structure, tube structure, gun sleigh structure, and a coupling sleeve serving to mount the coupled ring and tube in the sleigh. The several parts are so designed that the tube with the coupling sleeve thereon is placed in the sleigh. The breech ring is mounted on the tube and sleeve, and the sleeve is rotated to couple the ring to the tube and lock both securely in the sleigh. The tube and ring are provided with co-acting portions, respectively, to prevent relative rotation when assembled, and the coupling sleeve is designed to co-act with both the tube and ring to prevent relative axial movement of tube and ring and secure both in fixed relation to the sleigh. The tube and ring, held in relatively fixed relation by the coupling sleeve, can be rotated in the sleigh, by means of the sleeve, to modify the breech mechanism for vertical and side opening, alternatively.

While one specific embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings led herewith, and hereinafter fully described, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not considered to be limited to said specific embodiment but that its scope is defined by the claims appended hereto.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a vertical section on the line I-I of Fig. 2, in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section on the line 2--2 of Fig. 1, in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a top plan of the parts shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, the tube and breech ring rotated 90 to provide a side open breech;

Fig. 5 iS a tranSVeISe Section 0n line 5--5 0f 50 a reduced portion 23 forwardly of collar I8 on the Fig. 2 in the direction 0f the alrOWS; forward end of which there are four radial lugs Fig. 6 is a transverse section on line 6--6 of 24 symmetrically disposed about sleeve I4. 'It Fig. 1, in the direction of the arrows; will be noted (Fig. 11) that the sockets ZI and22 Fig. 7 is a transverse section on line --l of and lugs 24 are so relatively disposed that socket Fig. 1, in the direction of the arrows; 55 A2i is aligned with lug 24 of one pair of lugs and Fig. 8 is a transverse section on line 8 8 of socket 22 with lug 24 of the other pair. Lug VIS! Fig. 1, in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the coupling sleeve; Fig. 10 is a rear elevation of the sleeve; Fig. 11 is a front elevation of the sleeve;

amended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G. 757) Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section partly in elevation of the tube and breech ring as shown in Fig. l, showing the latch in unlocking position;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12, showing the' latch locking the tube;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary vertical section on theA line Irl- IIA of Fig. 2, in the direction of the ar-v rows;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14, the `'sleeve being uncoupled from the breech ring;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary top plan of a modi` fied form of latching means for locking the breech ring and coupling sleeve, and the tube simul-- taneously;

Fig. 17 is a vertical section on the line II-I'I of Fig. 16, in the direction of the arrows.

As illustrated in the drawings, the improved gun has a breech ring I having in its forward-A end a bore 2 co-aXial with the gun and a trans# verse bore 3 to receive the breeck block (not shown). An intermediate bore 4 in ring I connects bores I2 and 3. Bore 4 is co-aXial with'bore 2 and of less diameter forming an inner periph? eral shoulder 5 in ring I at the rear end of bore'2. The ring I is provided with a pair of recesses "I rearwardly of bore and a pair of sockets 8 rearwardly of recesses 1. These recesses 1 and-A sockets 8 are formed in the wall about bore 3, symmetrically disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis of ring Iv and have arcuate surfaces concentric with bores 2 and 4. A tube 9 received in ring I has a peripheral flange I0 seated in bore 2 against shoulder 5, neck II seated in bore 4, wings I2 seated in recesses I and tongues I 3 seated in sockets 8. vA coupling sleeve I4 about tube 9 has its rear end I5 seated against ange I ll and is provided with interrupted threadsIB meshing with interrupted threads I1 on the inner periphery of ring I in the bore 2.

The ring I is provided with a radially disposed stop pin I'I-a extending into bore 2 to co-a-Ct with threads I6 and I'I for coupling the ring I and sleeve I4, as will be presently explained. Sleeve I4 has a peripheral collar I8 spaced forwardly of threads I6 and having radial lugs I9 and 20 (Figs. 9,10 and 11) and sockets 2I and 22 associated with lugs I9 and 20, respectively. The lugs I9 and 20 are relatively disposed at 90 on the periphery of collar I8. The sleeve Ill4 has of sleeve I4 has an axial bore 25 (Fig. 8) opening through sleeve I4 in which is mounted a springpressed pin 26 received in an arcuate slot `2I on the periphery of tube 9. It will be noted (Fig. 8)

that slot 21 extends through an arc of 90. The reduced.` portion 23 of the sleeve I4 is mounted in the sleigh 28 provided with a collar 29 in which sleeve I4 is received. The collar 29 has interior radial lugs 30 co-acting with lugs 24 to form a bayonet coupling, and an inner peripheral flange 3|. The collar 29 has a pair of upstanding lugs 32 (Fig. '7) in which is pivoted a double rocker arm 33 extending rearwardly sufficiently to dispose its rear latch 34 in slots 2| or 22 of sleeve I4 and slot-s 2| or 22 in the forward edge of ring I, when its rear end is depressed (Fig. 1) and extending forwardly so that its forward latch 35 is disposed in slot 36 in the periphery of tube 9 when its forward end is depressed (Fig. 13). The arm 33 can assume a neutral position (Fig. 12), so that both latches 34 and 35 are inoperative. Sleigh 28 has two depending lugs 31 to which is attached the recoil mechanism (not shown).

From the foregoing description of the details of construction of the improved gun, its use and operation will be obvious. The parts are assembled as follows: the sleeve I4 is disposed on tube 9, its end I5 bearing against flange IU, the tube 9 and sleeve I4 are disposed in sleigh 28, the sleeve I4 being rotated on tube 9 to permit its lugs 24 to pass between lugs 3l! in ring 29 and against flange 3|. Tube 9 is snugly received in flange 3|. Sleeve I4 is then rotated to cause its lugs 24 to co-act with lugs 30 (Fig. 1) to lock the sleeve I4 and tube 9 in sleigh 28. The parts are so positioned (Figs. 1 and 8) that tube 9 has its slot 38 aligned with latch 35 and pin 26 is at the left end of slot 21 (Fig. 8). When arm 33 is rocked to place latch 35 in slot 36 (Fig. 13) to prevent rotation of tube 9, sleeve I4 is rotated clockwise (Figs. 8 and 15) to bring pin 25 to the right end of slot 2'I. The ring I is then placed about the rear end of tube 9 and sleeve I4, its transverse bore 3 being vertical, its interrupted threads I'I passing between interrupted threads I6 of sleeve I4. The forward movement of ring I is varrested when pin I'I-a in bore 2 of ring I contacts the rear edge of the interrupted threads I6 in sleeve I4 (Fig. 15) and thereby properly relates threads I6 and I'I for intermeshing. The sleeve I4 is then rotated counter-clockwise (Fig. 8) causing threads I6 and I'I to intermesh and draw ring I forwardly until its shoulder 5 bears againstiiangeV II) of tube 9, its bore 4, recesses T and sockets 8, receiving neck II, wings I2 and tongues I3', of tube 9, respectively. The arm 33 is then rocked to dispose its latch 34 in slots 2| of sleeve I4 and 2| of ring I, thus looking ring I and tube 9 in sleigh 28.

It will be observed (Fig. 1) that when the parts areinthe described positions the ring I and tube 9 are locked against relative axial movement by flange III clamped between shoulder 5 of ring I and end I5 of sleeve I4. Latch 34 when engaged in slots 2| and 2|', prevents relative rotation of ring I, sleeve I4 and sleigh 28. Ring I and tube Il are locked against relative rotation by co-action of recesses 'I and slots 8 of ring I and wings I2 and tongues I3 of tube 9.

The parts can be disassembled by reversing the above described operations.

When it is desired to modify the gun from a vertical to a side opening breech, the arm 33 is rocked to neutral position (Fig. 12) to release both latches 34 and 35, the sleeve I 4 is rotated counter-clockwise (Fig. 8) the pin 2B of sleeve I4 causing tube 9 to rotate with sleeve I4, and wings I2 and tongues I3 in recesses 'I and sockets 8 causing ring I to. rotate with tube 9. When slot 2'2 of sleeve I4 and slot 22 of ring I are aligned with arm 33, arm 33 is rocked to position its latch 34 in slots 22 and 22 (Fig. 4) thereby again locking the parts, the ring I now being positioned for side opening.

It will be noted that since lugs 3l of sleigh 28 serve for attachment of the recoil mechanism, the usual depending lug on the breech ring provided for that purpose is eliminated from the improved breech ring, greatly simplifying its fabrication.

A modified form of latching means is shown in Figs. 16 and 17. In this form, instead of the double rocker arm 33 of the form of the device shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, 12 and 13, there are two latches pivoted in lugs 32 on top of collar 29 of the sleigh 28. Latch 38 with handle 38' is pivoted in lugs 32, extending rearwardly from collar 29, to ilt into sockets 2| and 22 of sleeve I4 and sockets 2| and 22 of ring I. Latch 39 with handle 39 is pivoted in lugs 32, extending forwardly from collar 29, to fit into socket 36 of tube 9. It is obvious that when the device is provided with the two latches 38 and 39, and the ring I, tube 9 and sleeve I4 are related as shown in Fig. l, latch 38 positioned in slots 2| and 2 I (as latch 34 in Fig. l) locks ring I and sleeve I4 against rotation, and latch 39 can be placed in slot 35 (Fig. 17) to lock tube 9 against rotation. In view of the locking of tube B by latch 39, in this form of the device it is not necessary to provide the ring I with recesses 'I and slots 8, and tube 9 with wings I2 and. tongues I3, to prevent relative rotation of ring I and tube 9, since they are locked against rotation by latches 38 and 39, respectively.Y

In this form, the tube 9 is provided with a second slot to receive latch 39, when the parts are moved to position the breech mechanism for side opening.

Having described the invention, what I claim 1. In a gun, the combination of a breech ring having an axial bore, and provided with an inner peripheral shoulder at the rear end oi said bore; a tube received in said bore and having an outer peripheral flange and a plurality of projections extending axially from the rear end of said tube, the ring having a plurality of depressions formed therein for reception of said projections, respectively; a sleeve on said tube; and means on said ring and said sleeve for confining said flange between said shoulder and said sleeve.

2. In a gun, the combination of a breech ring having an axial bore, and provided with an inner peripheral shoulder at the rear end of said bore; a tube received in said bore and having an outer peripheral flange; a sleeve on said tube; a sleigh; means on said ring and said sleeve for confining said ange between said shoulder and said sleeve; and means for removably attachingr said sleeve to said sleigh.

3. In a gun, the combination of a breech ring having a bore; a tube having its rear end received in said bore; a sleeve on said tube; a sleigh; means in said ring, on said tube and on said sleeve for attaching said ring and said tube to prevent relative rotation and axial movement of said ring and said tube; and means on said sleeve and on said sleigh to removably position said ring and said tube in fixed relation to said sleigh.

4. In a gun, the combination of a breech ring having a bore; a tube having its rear end received in said bore; a sleeve on said tube; a sleigh; meansV in said ring, on. said tube and on said sleeve for attaching said ring and said tube to prevent relative rotation and axial movement of said ring and said tube; and means on said sleeve and on said sleigh to selectively position said ring and said tube in any one of a plurality of fixed relations to said sleigh.

5. In a gun, the combination of a breech ring having an axial bore, and provided with an inner peripheral shoulder at thel rear end of said bore, and a threaded portion spaced forwardly of said shoulder in said bore; a tube received in said bore and having an outer peripheral flange seated against said shoulder, and an exterior socket; a sleigh having a collar in which said tube is rotatably mounted; a latch mounted on said sleigh co-acting with the socket on the tube to prevent rotation of the tube; and a sleeve rotatable on said tube forwardly of said flange and provided with a threaded portion co-acting with said threaded portion of said ring to draw said ring forwardly and confine said ange between said shoulder and said sleeve when said sleeve is rotated.

6. In a gun, the combination of a breech ring having an axial bore, and provided with an inner peripheral shoulder at the rear end of said bore; a tube received in said bore and having an outer peripheral ange; a sleeve on said tube provided with a plurality of exterior radial lugs; means on said ring and said sleeve for conining said flange between said shoulder and said sleeve; a sleigh provided with an upstanding collar in which said tube and said sleeve are received; an interior peripheral flange in said collar at its forward end in which said tube is seated; a plurality of interior radial lugs in said collar at its rear end and spaced from said flange, said sleeve lugs and collar lugs providing a bayonet joint between the sleeve and the collar for removably positioning the tube and sleeve in the sleigh, and means releasably locking said sleeve and sleigh in a predetermined position of relative rotative adjustment.

7. In a gun, the combination of a breech ring having a pair of sockets; a tube having its rear end received in said ring; means in said ring and on said tube to prevent relative rotation of said ring and said tube; a sleeve on said tube having a pair of sockets; a sleigh having a collar in which said tube and said sleeve are rotatably mounted; means in said tube and said sleeve for rotating said ring and tube by rotation of said sleeve in said collar; and a latch mounted on said sleigh co-acting with the sockets in the ring and the sleeve to prevent rotation of the ring and sleeve.

8. In a gun, the combination oi a breech ring having an axial bore, and provided with an inner peripheral shoulder at the rear end of said bore, a threaded portion spaced forwardly of said shoulder and on exterior socket; a tube received in said bore and having an outer peripheral flange seated against said shoulder, and an exterior socket; means in said ring and on said tube to prevent relative rotation of said ring and said tube; a sleeve rotatable on said tube forwardly of said flange and provided with an exterior socket and a threaded portion co-acting with said threaded portion of said ring to draw said ring forwardly and conne said flange between said shoulder and said sleeve when said sleeve is rotated about said tube; a sleigh having a collar in which said tube and said sleeve are rotatably mounted; means in said tube and said sleeve for rotating said tube by rotation of said sleeve in said collar; and a double rocker arm mounted on said sleigh and provided on one end with a latch co-acting with the sockets in the ring and sleeve to prevent rotation of the ring and sleeve, and on its other end with a latch co-acting with the socket on the tube to prevent rotation of the tube.

9. In a gun, the combination of a breech ring having an axial bore, and provided with an inner peripheral shoulder at the rear end of said bore, a threaded portion spaced forwardly of said shoulder and an exterior socket; a tube received in said bore and having an outer peripheral flange seated against said shoulder and an exterior socket; means in said ring and on said tube to prevent relative rotation of said ring and said tube; a sleeve rotatable on said tube forwardly oi said flange and provided with an exterior sockct and a threaded portion co-acting with said threaded portion of said ring to draw said ring forwardly and confine said flange between said shoulder and said sleeve when said sleeve is rotated about said tube; a sleigh having a collar in which said tube and said sleeve are rotatably mounted; means in said tube and said sleeve for rotating said tube by rotation of said sleeve in said collar; a latch mounted on said sleigh coacting with the sockets in the ring and the sleeve to prevent rotation of the ring and the sleeve; and a second latch mounted on said sleigh coacting with the socket on the tube to prevent rotation of the tube.

10. In a gun, the combination of a tube proued with an arcuate slot incised on its exterior periphery concentric with its axis, and an exterior socket; a sleeve on said tube provided with an interior radial pin seated in said slot, and an exterior socket; a sleigh provided with a collar in which said tube and said sleeve are rotatably mounted, said sleeve being rotatable in said collar and about said tube through the arc traversed by said pin in said slot, and said tube being rotated in said collar by rotation of said sleeve when said pin is fully traversed; a rocker arm on said sleigh having two alternatively operable latches co-acting with the tube and sleeve sockets, respectively, to prevent rotation, in the collar of the tube and the sleeve, respectively; a breech ring non-rotatably and axially movably mounted on said tube; means in said ring and on said sleeve for moving said ring axially of said tube when the sleeve is rotated about said tube, the tube being latched against rotation; and means in said ring and said tube to prevent rotation of the ring and tube, when the sleeve is latched against rotation, said ring rotating with the tube when both latches are inoperative and the tube is rotated by rotation of the sleeve.

WILLIAM: SUMMERBELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iiie oi this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,358,343 Starnbaugh et al. Nov. 9, 1920 2,014,184 Linder Sept. 10, 1935 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 845,174 France May 8, 1939 

